In November of 1973 there was an eruption that lasted 31 days, creating the present crater floor. This eruption also opened a fissure east of the crater towards Puʻuhululu. This fissure eruption became a phase of the 1969-1974 Mauna Ulu eruptions. The last eruption of Pauahi occurred in 1979 for 16 days.

There is a short boardwalk for viewing the crater and landscape, a photographic moment. Just left of the boardwalk, you will see a fissure that poured lava in the crater during the 1973 eruption. A rampart (a cinder and ash hill) was also created during that eruption.

Pauahi Crater is culturally significant and religious to many of the Hawaiian people. At times you may view a "Hoʻokupu" (offering wrapped in Tī leaf), which should not be touched or disturbed.